Today’s Special comes from Dixie Chili and Diner, founded in Newport in 1929 by Greek immigrant Nicholas Sarakatsannis; a look at the historic coal camps of Southeastern Kentucky; Columbia in Adair County is Our Town; and meet landscaper Josh Samples from Rockcastle County.
Dixie Chili and Deli
If there’s a food item that defines the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, it’s chili, and Dixie Chili and Deli in Newport is one of the historic locations that’s been serving up the dish in many different ways.
“Three men from Macedonia came to Cincinnati and they started Cincinnati Chili,” says Spiros Sarakatsannis, President of Dixie Chili. “First there was Empress Chili. My father came to this country when he was 16 and he worked for The Empress.”
Read more about Dixie Chili and Deli and watch the video.
Barthell Coal Camp
A coal mine might not sound like a vacation destination, but history buffs and nature-seekers are sure to enjoy a stay at the Barthell Coal Camp.
The restored mining camp opened to the public in 1999, many years after the last miners left. The Barthell Coal Camp was in operation beginning in 1902 until the last mine was closed in 1962.
Learn more about the Barthell Coal Camp and watch the video.
Columbia, Kentucky
In this edition of Kentucky Life’s Our Town series, host Amy Hess visited Columbia, Kentucky, the home of Lindsey Wilson College in Adair County.
Adair County is an agricultural region with dairy and beef farms along with corn and soybean operations making up a large part of the economy. Its location in scenic southern Kentucky puts it close to outdoor recreation, like fishing at the Green River Reservoir. But there’s more than just the landscape that makes Columbia a special town.
Find out more about Columbia, Kentucky, and watch the video.
